Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.
The bill proposes significant changes to the administrative landscape of healthcare practice in Rhode Island. By allowing APRNs and others licensed in other states to practice via telemedicine without being subject to local licensing requirements under certain conditions, S0701 aims to alleviate some barriers that patients face when seeking timely care. This includes the requirement that providers maintain an active license and malpractice insurance, provided they have an established patient-provider relationship or have been involved in care coordination with local providers. Such provisions are expected to broaden the range of healthcare services available to residents, particularly in underserved areas.
Bill S0701 focuses on enhancing healthcare access in Rhode Island by allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), physician assistants, and physicians, regardless of their state of licensure, to provide telemedicine services to patients located in Rhode Island. This legislation acknowledges the growing importance of telemedicine in providing patient care, especially in light of recent shifts towards remote healthcare delivery due to increasing demand and public health needs. The bill establishes a framework for ensuring that healthcare provider services delivered electronically adhere to existing care standards that apply in traditional, in-person settings.
While the intent of S0701 is to enhance healthcare access, it also raises concerns among local healthcare professionals about the implications of permitting out-of-state providers to practice telemedicine in Rhode Island. Some stakeholders fear that this legislation might undermine local medical standards and the accountability of healthcare providers, particularly regarding patient safety and quality of care. Furthermore, there may be apprehension regarding the integration of telemedicine with existing healthcare systems and the ability to ensure continuity of care, particularly for patients transitioning from telehealth to in-person services.